Carboxytherapy

Latest update: July 14, 2024
Medically reviewed by: Jennifer Trent MD, FAAD

Details

Carboxytherapy involves injecting carbon dioxide gas into the skin to promote healthier blood flow and produce collagen.

The treatment is suitable for all skin types on the face, neck, arms, stomach, buttocks, and legs. Carboxytherapy can remove stubborn fat build-up and smooth out cellulite dimples. It can also help fade stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles and lighten under-eye circles.

Carbon dioxide is an odorless gas produced naturally by humans. It has beneficial properties that encourage collagen production and elasticity in the skin. Collagen is a protein that diminishes as we age, which causes laxity and sagging skin. Enhanced collagen production can improve the appearance of the skin and preserve its youthful appearance.

Carbon dioxide also has medical properties. It can expand blood vessels, allowing better flow of oxygen and blood through the body and enhance wound healing.  

Carboxytherapy is also used to treat alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss. When used as a body sculpting treatment, the gas damages and eliminates the fat cells. It is a non-surgical alternative to removing stubborn fat pockets.

Carboxytherapy can also smooth cellulite dimples by improving blood circulation.

Carboxytherapy treats many other aesthetic issues, including dark under-eye circles and scarring.

The injections release small doses of carbon dioxide into the affected area. The body detects higher carbon dioxide levels and increases the oxygen-rich cells in the area, eliminating the carbon dioxide waste and releasing it through the lungs. The increased oxygen in the body activates the cells to accelerate healing and improve the overall appearance. The gas is injected through a thin syringe attached to a delivery tube that is connected to a delivery device that controls the gas flow and administers an appropriate  dose. Patients who want a comfortable procedure can opt for a topical anesthetic to numb the area before the injections.
Anesthesia
topical
Operation Time
7-10
Inpatient Period
n/a
Number of Appointments
7-10
Recovery Period
3-5 days
Invasiveness
minimal

Carboxytherapy Helps Treat Dark Under-Eyes

Emma O’Reilly, a skin therapist from Clear Skin Medical in Ireland, tells us about Carboxytherapy. Emma explains what the procedure involves. She demonstrates the procedure on a patient to treat dark circles under her eyes.  The video covers various other conditions that Carboxytherapy can be used to treat.

Carboxy Treatment For Eyes

Dr. Jame Heskett, from New York City, explains the procedure. She talks about the effect that they are trying to achieve using the device. Dr. Heskett explains what causes dark circles under the eyes and talks through how this treatment works to combat the condition. Courtney, the patient, tells CBS New York about her experience of the treatment and explains why she opts for this procedure.